• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to an actuator system comprising one or more expansion chambers comprising one or more cylindrical chambers serially connected via a connecting channel. The present invention further relates to the use of an actuator according to the present invention to provide a linear or other type of displacement.
    公开号:BE1019222A3
    申请号:E2010/0653
    申请日:2010-11-04
    公开日:2012-04-03
    发明作者:Jo Massoels
    申请人:Materialise Nv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    SELF-RETRACTING ACTUATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention relates to actuator systems comprising one or a series of expansion chambers that comprise one or more cylindrical chambers connected via a connecting channel. The present invention further relates to the use of an actuator according to the present invention for providing a linear or other type of displacement.
    BACKGROUND
    An actuator is generally known as a mechanical device for carrying out a movement, by converting, for example, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or electrical energy into a certain movement. Linear actuators are actuators where the resulting movement provides a force in a linear manner. The movement of the actuator can be achieved in various ways including the conversion of mechanical movement (eg rotary movement) into a linear movement.
    Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators convert hydraulic or pneumatic energy into a displacement. These types of actuators typically involve a hollow cylinder that contains a piston. The two sides of the piston are alternately pressurized and released from the pressure to achieve a controlled linear displacement of the piston and in this way also of each entity connected to the piston. The physical linear displacement only takes place along the axis of the piston.
    Unfortunately, the currently known types of actuators have a number of important drawbacks, one of the most important being the large amount of moving parts that make the actuator expensive. The various moving parts of the actuator, such as the piston and the hollow cylinder, are prone to wear, which typically provides known actuators with a limited life cycle. Furthermore, most electromechanical actuators are limited in the force of the displacement, have a low displacement speed and are often unreliable in their displacement. On the other hand, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators typically only provide good displacements in compression, are prone to leaks and are unreliable in their displacement. The lack of reliability and reproducibility is a common disadvantage of all actuator systems, which often require a position measurement and feedback means to improve the repeatability of the displacement.
    Pneumatic Artificial Muscles or PAMs are specific types of actuators that are contractible or extendable and are operated by pressurized air. Their way of working is similar to human muscles. However, PAMs are known to have a number of disadvantages. The force of the displacement depends not only on the pressure entered but also on the inflation state of the PAM, they are difficult to precisely control and, since they use long inflatable tubes, there is a delay between the signal of the movement control and the effective muscle action.
    Accordingly, there is a need for alternative and better types of actuators that provide fast and powerful displacements, that require no or only minimal maintenance and / or that have easy and inexpensive production costs.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention relates to actuator systems comprising a pressure inlet and one or more expansion chambers, each comprising one or more cylindrical chambers which are connected via a connecting channel. After activation, the cylindrical chambers expand and the actuator provides a linear displacement along its longitudinal axis or another type of displacement such as a rotational displacement at an angle. When the actuator system is deactivated, the cylindrical chambers of the expansion chamber return to their original position, thereby providing displacement in the opposite direction and the actuator returning to its original position. The activation of the actuator according to the present invention refers to the application of pressure. Pressurizing or releasing the pressure from the actuator achieves displacement of the actuator, while the opposite effect, releasing the pressure or releasing pressure, or the absence of the pressurized or relieved state returns the actuator to its original position. In particular, the actuators according to the invention comprise several expansion chambers that allow a further increase in displacement.
    In a first aspect, the present invention provides actuators comprising an expansion chamber provided with an inlet for providing a connection to a pressure system, characterized in that the expansion chamber comprises one or more cylindrical chambers serially coupled via a connecting channel, the inner corners of the cylindrical chambers and / or the outer corners formed by the connecting channel and the cylindrical chambers indent.
    In particular embodiments, the actuators of the invention may further comprise a guide system that is coupled to the outer structure of the actuator.
    In particular embodiments, the actuators of the invention comprise an extension structure connected to the outer surface of a cylindrical chamber of the expansion chamber, which follows the movement of the actuator.
    In special embodiments, the actuator further comprises a pressure system connected to the inlet. The pressure system can be a pneumatic or hydraulic system. In further special embodiments, the pressure system provides for the application of a pressure or a vacuum to the inlet.
    In particular embodiments, the ratio of the average wall thickness of the recessed angles to the average wall thickness of the cylindrical chamber ranges from 1/50 to 4/5.
    In further special embodiments, the thickness of the walls is at least 0.3 mm.
    In special embodiments, the actuators according to the present invention are made from a single piece of material. This avoids installation costs and reduces maintenance costs. More in particular, they are produced by rapid production techniques, which are also referred to as additive production techniques or material deposition production techniques. In further particular embodiments, the actuators of the present invention are made from sintered polyamide.
    In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of an actuator according to the present invention for providing a push action, pull action, clamping action, release action and / or centering action. In particular embodiments, the actuators of the present invention are used to release a clamping mechanism.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    . The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the current principles, their application or use. In the drawings, the corresponding reference numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.
    Figure 1 provides a perspective view of an actuator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 2 provides a side view (A) and a cross-sectional view (B) of an actuator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 provides a cross-sectional view of an actuator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention after pressurizing. Figure 4 provides a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an actuator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 provides a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an actuator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention after pressurizing.
    Figure 6 provides a schematic representation of a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the cylindrical chambers of an actuator according to particular embodiments of the present invention.
    Figure 7 provides a side view of an actuator that causes non-linear motion according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.
    List of reference numbers used in the Figures. Each of these illustrations shows special embodiments of the respective features and the corresponding features should not be interpreted as being limited to this specific embodiment.
    (1) Actuator (2) Expansion chamber (3) Inlet (4) Cylindrical chamber (5) Connecting channel (6) Inner corners of the cylindrical chambers (7) Outer corners formed by the connecting channel and the cylindrical chambers (8) Guide structure (9) Extension ( 10), (11) opposing parts of a cylindrical chamber according to particular embodiments of the invention
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art working in the field to which this invention belongs. Although all methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or in testing the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
    As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "it" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms, "comprising," "includes," and "consist of" as used herein are synonymous with "including" "contain", "contains" or "having", "has", and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional, non-listed members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprising" includes "and" consist of "also includes the term" containing ". The enumeration of numerical ranges by end points includes all numbers and fractions that are within the respective ranges, as well as the aforementioned end points. The term" approximately "as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporary duration and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/- 5% or less, more preferably +/- 1% or less, and with even more preferably + / 0.1% or less of the specified value, to the extent that such variations are suitable for carrying out the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the "approximately" provision refers is itself specific and is preferably disclosed. All documents cited in the current specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
    Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the use of the terms "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" at different locations throughout this specification does not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but it is possible. Furthermore, certain features, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner, as may be apparent from this disclosure to one skilled in the art, in one or more embodiments. While some embodiments described herein contain some features but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as one skilled in the art can understand. For example, in the following claims, all claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
    Unless otherwise specified, all terms used to disclose the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by a person skilled in the art working in the field to which this invention belongs. For the sake of clarity, the definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teachings of the present invention.
    Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish between comparable elements and not necessarily for describing a consecutive or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable in suitable circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are suitable for operation in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.
    The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely as an aid to understanding the invention.
    As used in this application, the terms "actuator" and "actuator system" are used interchangeably and refer to an apparatus for performing a motion by converting hydraulic or pneumatic energy into a different type of motion. Linear actuators are actuators where the resulting movement provides a force in a linear manner. Other types of movement can also be provided, such as, for example, a rotation or an angle displacement. A combined displacement can also be provided by the actuator, which refers to a combination of a linear displacement and an angular displacement.
    The present invention provides an actuator system comprising a pressure inlet and one or more expansion chambers each comprising one, two, three or more cylindrical chambers that are serially connected via a connecting channel. Accordingly, the interior space of the expansion chamber corresponds to the interior space formed by the coupled cylindrical chambers. After activation, the expansion chamber expands (due to the cylindrical chambers that expand) and the actuator provides a linear displacement along its longitudinal axis or another type of displacement such as an angle displacement. According to special embodiments, the actuators according to the present invention are linear actuators. When the actuator system is deactivated, the expansion chamber returns to its original position, causing a displacement in the opposite direction and returning the actuator to its original position. The activation of the actuator according to the present invention refers to the application of pressure. Pressurizing or releasing pressure from the actuator achieves displacement of the actuator, while the opposite action, respectively releasing pressure or pressurizing, or the absence of the state of pressurizing or releasing pressure brings the actuator back to its original position. According to particular embodiments, the actuators of the invention are single-acting pneumatic actuators, insofar as the air drives in one direction and the reaction of the cylindrical chambers causes movement in the reverse direction.
    The actuator according to the present invention provides a system that is highly resistant to wear since the number of moving parts is minimized, whereby the wear of the actuator is minimal, even when the load to be moved is large.
    The displacement of the actuator can be done in many different ways, including a linear displacement and / or a displacement at an angle. A linear displacement occurs along the longitudinal axis of the actuator. The longitudinal axis refers to an imaginary line that runs through the center of the actuator that runs through the central axis of the cylindrical chambers. A displacement at an angle or a rotational displacement refers to a displacement about an axis that is perpendicular to the actuator, wherein a rotation or circular movement is provided. A combined displacement can also be provided by the actuator, referring to a combination of a linear displacement and an angular displacement.
    According to special embodiments, the present invention provides actuators comprising an expansion chamber which is provided with an inlet for providing a connection to a pressure system, characterized in that the expansion chamber comprises one or more cylindrical chambers which are serially coupled via a connecting channel, the inner corners of the cylindrical chambers formed by the connecting channel, the inner surface of the cylindrical chamber and / or the outer corners formed by the connecting channel and indentation of the outer surface of the cylindrical chamber.
    When reference is made herein to the parts of the cylindrical chamber, reference is made to the base surfaces as the surfaces corresponding to the circular upper and lower caps of a cylinder and the side wall which provides the circumference of the cylinder and which is connected to the lower top cover. As used herein, the inner corners of the cylindrical chambers refer to the corners provided on the inside of the cylindrical chambers and formed by the inner base surface of the cylinder and the side wall. The inner corners therefore have a circular outline. The outer corners formed by the connecting channel and the cylindrical chambers refer to the corners provided on the outside of the actuator and formed by the outer wall of the connecting channel and the outer base surfaces of the cylindrical chambers. The outer corners also have a circular outline.
    An important feature of the present invention is the indented nature of the inner corners of the cylindrical chambers and / or the outer corners formed by the connecting channel and the cylindrical chambers. These recessed angles provide the actuator with a high degree of flexibility and a long life cycle. Furthermore, the recessed corners provide the actuator system with an internal spring mechanism that will provide the actuator with its ability to return to its original position when it is deactivated. The recessed angles according to the present invention provide the cylindrical chambers and / or the connecting channels with a hinge which, when the actuator is activated, allows an enlargement of the cylindrical chamber and / or the connecting channel, which in general leads to the displacement of the actuator. The displacement of the actuator can be changed depending on the dimensions of the cylindrical chambers and / or the connecting channels, and the corresponding recessed angles.
    The recessed angles according to the invention can comprise different shapes, dimensions, etc. For example, the recessed angle may comprise one or more accurate or curved surfaces such as a spherical or conical shape to form a round concave surface with respect to an angle.
    In particular embodiments, at least one of the base surfaces of the cylindrical chambers of the expansion chamber is curved inward (concave) when the actuator is in a non-pressurized state. This allows an increase in the displacement of the expansion chamber after pressurizing. The base surface can either be flat or have an inward curvature, the latter further improving the capacity of the actuator.
    According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is adapted to provide a rotational displacement or e. In special embodiments this is provided by providing an expansion chamber which comprises one or more cylindrical chambers, the base surfaces (in a non-pressurized state) not running parallel to each other. This implies that for one part of the cylindrical chamber the size or surface area of the side wall is larger compared to the size or surface area of the side wall on the opposite side or part of the cylindrical chamber. After compression and decompression of the cylindrical chambers, the movement is not linear but at an angle or rotational.
    As mentioned above, the expansion chamber as provided in the actuator according to the present invention comprises one or more cylindrical chambers that are serially coupled via a connecting channel. The serial coupling of the cylindrical chambers provides the actuator with a high degree of flexibility. Depending on the required displacement, the number of cylindrical chambers can be increased, thereby increasing the displacement distance of the actuator. Each expansion chamber according to actuators of the present invention comprises one, two, three or more cylindrical chambers that are serially connected via a connecting channel. The number of serially connected cylindrical chambers is not limited and the expansion chamber can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8,9 and 10 or more cylindrical chambers.
    The specific dimensions of the cylindrical chambers of the expansion chamber further allow accurate control of the displacement, which makes the displacement very accurate and controllable.
    The expansion chambers of the actuator can have a typical diameter ranging from about 10 mm to several meters. Prior art actuators have an upper limit of typically about 700 mm. The actuators according to the present invention can be scaled up to dimensions that are larger than the dimensions of currently known actuators. The linear or other displacement provided by the actuator of the present invention will increase along with the size of the expansion chambers.
    The thickness of the walls of the expansion chamber can vary depending on the size of the actuator. Typically, the wall thickness at the recessed corners is smaller than the wall thickness of the rest of the expansion chamber. The indented corners are therefore provided with a high degree of flexibility, without jeopardizing the strength of the indented corners. It is also true that when using a pneumatic pressure system, the thinner walls at the recessed corners ensure that air can escape through the walls. The thickness of the walls at the recessed corners should therefore be small enough to provide flexibility, while still having to be large enough to avoid too much leakage and not to compromise the strength of the actuator. Typical ratios of the average wall thickness of the recessed corners over the average wall thickness of the cylindrical chamber range from 1/50 to 4/5, preferably from 1/25 to 3/4 and more preferably from 1/10 to 2/3 . According to particular embodiments, an actuator according to the present invention is provided wherein the ratio of the wall thickness of the recessed angles to the cylindrical chamber ranges from 1/50 to 4/5.
    In special embodiments, the thickness of the walls of the actuator is at least 0.3 mm. Depending on the application and the size of the expansion chambers, the wall thickness can be increased proportionally since larger chambers require thicker walls. However, the thickness of the walls of the recessed corners should remain small enough to provide some flexibility. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the walls of the actuator ranges from 0.1 mm to 10 cm, more particularly from 0.5 mm to 1 cm and more particularly from 1 mm to 5 mm.
    In particular embodiments, and more particularly when the actuators of the present invention are used with a hydraulic pressure system, the interior surface of the expansion chambers can be sealed, making the expansion chambers fluid-tight and thereby increasing the efficiency of the actuator. Particular embodiments of the present invention provide actuators according to the present invention, which comprise a guide system that is coupled [to] the outer structure of one or more expansion chambers, which guides the direction of movement of the actuator.
    The guiding system according to the present invention is typically a structure that extends along the expansion chamber and which, for example, is attached to the inlet. This feature provides the actuator with guidance. Especially when the actuators according to the present invention comprise a serial connection of a number of cylindrical chambers, the guiding system ensures that the movement of the actuator takes place uniformly in a single direction. In special embodiments, the guide system is attached to one or more other components of the actuator. In further special embodiments, the guide system is an integral part of the actuator, more particularly formed from a single piece of material with the rest of the actuator.
    According to particular embodiments, the actuators of the present invention are made from a single piece of material. This provides the advantage of lower production costs and reduced maintenance. In more particular embodiments, the material is a material such as sintered polyamide, nylon, polypropylene, carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics; glass bead reinforced thermoplastics, glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics, etc ....
    In further special embodiments, the actuators according to the invention are made via rapid production techniques, which are also referred to as layered production techniques or material deposition production techniques.
    In particular embodiments, Rapid Prototyping and Production Techniques (RP&M), also called Additive Production Techniques, are used for the production of the actuators of the invention. A large number of Rapid Prototyping techniques are currently available, including Stereolithography (SL), Laser Sintering (LS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), foil-based techniques, etc.
    A common feature of these techniques is that objects are typically built up layer by layer. Stereolithography, currently the most widely used RP&M technique, uses a barrel of liquid photopolymer "resin" to build up an object layer by layer. Each layer has an electromagnetic beam, for example one or more laser beams that are computer-controlled, a specific pattern on the surface of the liquid resin, which is determined by the two-dimensional cross-sections of the object to be formed The exposure to the electromagnetic radiation hardens the pattern, or solidifies the pattern drawn on the resin and sticks it to the After a layer has been polymerized, the platform sinks with a single layer thickness and a subsequent layer pattern is drawn, glued to the previous layer, and a complete 3D object is formed through this process.
    Laser sintering uses a high-power laser or other concentrated heat source to sinter or weld small particles of plastic, metal, or ceramic powder into a mass representing the 3-dimensional object to be formed.
    Fused Déposition Modeling and related techniques use a temporary transition from a solid material to a liquid state, usually as a result of heating. The material is pressed through an extrusion nozzle in a controlled manner and deposited at the required location as described, inter alia, in U.S. Patent No. 5,141,680.
    Foil-based techniques attach layers to each other by gluing or photopolymerization or other techniques and cut the article from these layers or polymerize the article. Such a technique is described in US Patent No. 5,192,539.
    Typical RP&M techniques start from a digital representation of the 3D object to be formed. In general, the digital representation is cut out as a series of cross-sectional layers that can be superimposed to form the object as a whole. The RP&M device uses this data to build the object on a layer-by-layer basis. The cross-sectional data representing the layer data of the 3D object can be produced using a computer system and computer-aided design and production software (CAD / CAM).
    The actuators of the invention can be made from a number of materials. Typically, a polyamide such as PA 12 or other materials suitable for additive production and known to those skilled in the art can be used. Other typical materials may include materials that can be subjected to laser sintering, powder materials that can be used in an additive manufacturing technology, thermoplastic materials in powder form with a sharp thermal transition, allowing use in a laser sintering process, thermoplastic materials in powder form with a sharp thermal transition , which can be selectively melted in a 3D object via a layered partial or complete melting process, thermoplastic materials suitable for use in additive production processes via selective deposition of small extruded threads or filamentary thermoplastic materials that can be selectively precipitated in an Additive Production Process . As used herein, sharp thermal transition refers to a physical transition based on a change in crystallinity and / or a change in glassy state to a polymer melt that occurs in a limited temperature domain.
    According to particular embodiments, the actuators of the present invention are provided with a protective coating that increases the resistance to environmental factors and / or wear due to use. Such a coating can completely or partially cover the actuator. The coating can be of a different material than the actuator itself (therefore it is also referred to herein as an actuator assembly).
    According to further special embodiments, actuators of the present invention are provided with additional components which in turn increase the resistance of the actuator or protect it against wear. In addition, such components can also be provided to increase its accuracy. The additional components may also be of a different material than the actuator itself (therefore it is also referred to herein as an actuator assembly)
    As mentioned above, the actuators according to the present invention comprise an inlet for providing a connection to a pressure system. The pressure system can be a pneumatic or hydraulic system.
    Accordingly, the invention further provides actuators according to the present invention wherein a pressure system is connected to said inlet.
    In particular embodiments of the present invention, the pressure system is a pneumatic pressure system.
    In special embodiments of the actuators according to the present invention, the pressure system provides for the application of a pressure or a vacuum to the inlet of the actuator. Accordingly, the displacement provided by the actuators of the invention can be provided by the application of pressure or a vacuum.
    According to particular embodiments, the actuators according to the present invention further comprise an extension structure connected to one end of the expansion chamber (or, where more expansion chambers are used, to the end of the outer expansion chamber). This extension structure follows the movement of the extension structure of the actuator and extends the movement of the actuator beyond the actuator, for example to a target. In particular embodiments, the elongation structure comprises a longitudinal structure that extends in the direction of movement. In particular embodiments, the extension structure includes an end effector such as, but not limited to, a piston, a hook, a valve, or a wire system that transmits the mechanical movement.
    In particular embodiments, the extension structure comprises means for converting the linear displacement and / or the displacement at an angle into a different type of displacement. As an example, the extension structure can be provided with a rack that drives a gear wheel, whereby the displacement is converted into the displacement of one or more gear wheels.
    A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an actuator according to the present invention, for ensuring push action, pull action, clamping action, release action and / or centering action. In particular embodiments, the actuators of the present invention are used to provide a linear motion and / or a motion at an angle of the mounting means. In more special embodiments, the actuators according to the invention are used to ensure the fixing and / or loosening of a clamping mechanism.
    The present invention is explained below by the illustration of particular, non-limiting embodiments.
    Figures 1 and 2 provide a side view (Figure 2a), a cross-sectional view (Figure 2b) and a perspective view (Figure 1) of an actuator (1) according to particular embodiments of the present invention. The actuator (1) comprises an expansion chamber (2) provided with an inlet (3) for providing a connection to a pressure system, characterized in that said expansion chamber (2) comprises one or more cylindrical chambers (4) which via a connecting channel (5) are serially coupled, the inner corners of the cylindrical chambers (6) and the outer corners formed by the connecting channels and cylindrical chambers (7) indent. The actuator is further provided with a conductive element (8] and an extension structure (9).
    Figure 3 provides a cross-sectional view of a pressurized actuator (1) according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The base surfaces of the cylindrical chambers are convex due to the pressure applied, resulting in an expansion chamber expansion.
    Figures 4 and 6 provide a cross-sectional view of an actuator (1) according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. The figures show cylindrical chambers (4) that are serially coupled via a connecting channel (5), the inner corners of the cylindrical chambers (6) and the outer corners formed by the connecting channels and cylindrical chambers [7] indenting. Figure 4 illustrates recessed corners in detail that have a concave round shape and extend inwardly from the corner edge to the surface according to particular embodiments of the invention.
    Figure 5 provides a cross-sectional view of a pressurized actuator (1) according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The base surfaces of the cylindrical chambers (4) are convex due to the pressure applied, resulting in an expansion of the inner volume of the expansion chamber (2).
    Figure 7 provides a side view of an actuator (1) according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, which does not provide linear motion. The actuator according to Figure 7 is provided with a number of cylindrical chambers (4), the base surfaces of each cylindrical chamber corresponding to the circular upper and lower caps of a cylinder are not parallel to each other. This implies that for one part of the cylindrical chamber [10] the dimensions of the side wall are larger compared to the dimensions of the side wall on the opposite part of the cylindrical chamber (11].
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [1]
    An actuator comprising an expansion chamber provided with an inlet for providing a connection to a pressure system, characterized in that said expansion chamber comprises one or more cylindrical chambers serially coupled via a connecting channel, the inner corners of the cylindrical chambers and / or the outer corners formed by the connecting channel and the cylindrical chambers indent, and wherein said actuator is made from a single piece of material.
    [2]
    The actuator of claim 1, further comprising a guidance system that is coupled to the outer structure of said actuator, which guides the direction of movement of the actuator.
    [3]
    The actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the average wall thickness of the recessed angles to the average wall thickness of the cylindrical chamber ranges from 1/50 to 4/5.
    [4]
    The actuator according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an extension structure connected to the outer surface of a cylindrical chamber of said expansion chamber, which follows the movement of the actuator.
    [5]
    The actuator according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure system is a pneumatic pressure system.
    [6]
    The actuator according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pressure system provides for the application of a pressure or a vacuum to said inlet.
    [7]
    The actuator according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said actuator provides a linear, a rotational or a combined motion.
    [8]
    An actuator assembly comprising an actuator according to any of claims 1 to 7, on which additional components are mounted.
    [9]
    The actuator assembly according to claim 9, comprising a pressure system connected to said inlet.
    [10]
    The actuator assembly according to claim 8 or 9 on or on which additional components are mounted to increase the wear resistance of the actuator and to increase its accuracy.
    [11]
    An actuator assembly comprising an actuator according to any of claims 1 to 7, or the actuator assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, on which a protective coating has been applied to increase its resistance to its application environment.
    [12]
    Use of an actuator according to any of claims 1 to 7, or the actuator assembly according to claims 8 to 10, for providing a pushing action, pulling action, clamping action, release action and / or centering action.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    US8951303B2|2015-02-10|Freeform fluidics
    Rafiee et al.2020|Multi‐material 3D and 4D printing: a survey
    Peng et al.2013|Micro hot embossing of thermoplastic polymers: a review
    US10427375B2|2019-10-01|Architected materials for enhanced energy absorption
    Rytka et al.2015|Iso-and variothermal injection compression moulding of polymer micro-and nanostructures for optical and medical applications
    BE1019222A3|2012-04-03|SELF-INTERESTING ACTUATOR.
    US10633975B2|2020-04-28|Device for producing, repairing and/or replacing a component by means of a powder that can be solidified by energy radiation, method and component produced according to said method
    Nelson et al.2019|Flexible, transparent, sub-100 µm microfluidic channels with fused deposition modeling 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane
    JP2016521835A|2016-07-25|Vented pressurized gas driven actuator
    JP6392329B2|2018-09-19|Vented pressurized gas driven actuator
    Lim et al.2019|3D printing of freestanding overhanging structures utilizing an in situ light guide
    Elliott et al.2015|Experimental study of the maximum resolution and packing density achievable in sintered and non-sintered binder-jet 3D printed steel microchannels
    US20150308609A1|2015-10-29|Apparatus and methods of positioning an object using an adjustment block
    JP6878364B2|2021-05-26|Movable wall for additional powder floor
    RU2664962C1|2018-08-23|Method for producing three-dimensional products of a complex shape of high viscosity polymers and a device for its implementation |
    TWI597106B|2017-09-01|Double-acting variable cross-section extrusion device and extrusion method
    WO2019126324A3|2019-07-18|Additive manufacturing pressure device, process and obtained parts thereof
    Cho et al.2012|Microstereolithography-based computer-aided manufacturing for tissue engineering
    Pfleging et al.2002|Laser micromachining of polymeric mold inserts for rapid prototyping of PMMA devices via photomolding
    KR102147215B1|2020-08-26|3d printing method of 3d shaped body having double wall structure
    EP3538346B1|2022-01-26|Filled cavity three-dimensional printed objects and methods for production
    Sahu et al.2021|4 A Review on Additive Manufacturing Technologies
    Ostendorf et al.2010|Micro-and nano-parts generated by laser-based solid freeform fabrication
    Müller2019|Fraunhofer Additive Manufacturing Alliance
    Zheng et al.2021|Perspectives on multi-material additive manufacturing
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2011135079A3|2015-07-02|
    WO2011135079A2|2011-11-03|
    EP2564073B1|2016-12-07|
    EP2564073A2|2013-03-06|
    US20130186265A1|2013-07-25|
    GB201007255D0|2010-06-16|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    BE350235A|
    FR2392261A1|1977-05-28|1978-12-22|Festo Maschf Stoll G|Linear hydraulic or pneumatic working cylinder - uses U=shaped cross=section rigid blanking ends overlapping for guidance during piston movement|
    US3469502A|1967-02-09|1969-09-30|Robert I Gardner|Bellows|
    US3597517A|1970-06-09|1971-08-03|Gorman Rupp Co|Method of making plastic bellows|
    US3703342A|1971-07-30|1972-11-21|Walbro Corp|Fuel pump bellows construction|
    US5021064A|1982-06-03|1991-06-04|Dolores R. Rudy|Robotic fluid-actuated muscle analogue|
    US5141680A|1988-04-18|1992-08-25|3D Systems, Inc.|Thermal stereolighography|
    US5192539A|1988-07-21|1993-03-09|Akzo N.V.|Infectious bursal disease virus production in continuous cell lines|
    US5317952A|1991-11-22|1994-06-07|Kinetic Sciences Inc.|Tentacle-like manipulators with adjustable tension lines|WO2018087074A1|2016-11-08|2018-05-17|Koninklijke Philips N.V.|Filled cavity three-dimensional printed objects and methods for production|
    US11167375B2|2018-08-10|2021-11-09|The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York|Additive manufacturing processes and additively manufactured products|
    法律状态:
    2021-08-11| MM| Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee|Effective date: 20201130 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    GBGB1007255.1A|GB201007255D0|2010-04-29|2010-04-29|Self-retracting actuator|
    GB201007255|2010-04-29|US13/638,957| US20130186265A1|2010-04-29|2011-04-29|Self-retracting actuator|
    PCT/EP2011/056849| WO2011135079A2|2010-04-29|2011-04-29|Self-retracting actuator|
    EP11720058.4A| EP2564073B1|2010-04-29|2011-04-29|Self-retracting actuator|
    [返回顶部]